Method for training and for measuring physical efforts of a person in a non-motorized wheel vehicle

Abstract

A device for training and measuring the physical efforts of a user of a nonmotorized rolling vehicle arranged on a turning assembly capable of exerting a load moment imparts a cyclical braking moment which passes from a preestablished value to a zero value dependent on the speed of the vehicle. The braking moment is controlled by detection and measurement of the speed or acceleration of the vehicle in order to drive the vehicle at a constant or substantially constant speed.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A device for training and measuring the physical efforts of a person using a nonmotorized rolling vehicle, said vehicle being arranged on a turning assembly capable of exerting a load moment, said device comprising: means for imparting a variable braking moment to the turning assembly, said braking moment being cyclical and passing from a preestablished value to a zero value, said moment value being a function of parameters dependent on the speed of said vehicle in order to enable the user to drive the vehicle at a substantially constant speed.   
     
     
       2. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein said moment imparting means are controlled by means for detecting and measuring the speed of said vehicle, in which said moment imparting means impart a braking moment only when a predetermined vehicle speed is exceeded. 
     
     
       3. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein said moment imparting means are controlled by members capable of detecting and measuring the acceleration of said vehicle, in which said moment imparting means imparts a braking moment when a positive acceleration of said vehicle is detected. 
     
     
       4. The device as recited in claim 1, including means for measuring the power imparted by a user, said power measuring means incorporating parameters based on the actual speed of the vehicle, the value of the variable braking moment being applied, and the accelerations of the masses in motion. 
     
     
       5. The device as recited in claim 4, wherein the turning assembly includes at least one roller controlled by braking means which interacts with at least one wheel of a vehicle being driven in rotation by said user for braking said vehicle. 
     
     
       6. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein the vehicle is a bicycle. 
     
     
       7. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein the vehicle is a wheel chair.